Aizawl: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over the bio-digester technology used for the development of bio-toilets to the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) of Mizoram at Aijal Club in Aizawl recently.
The function was chaired by PHED secretary Amjad Tak. Addressing the function, Defence Research Laboratory, Tezpur, director Dr SK Dwivedi said that the introduction of bio-toilets in Mizoram is a milestone in the history of sanitation and that due to the abundance of water supply, the state will benefit much from the technology.
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Dr Dwivedi explained that the bio-digester has been researched by the DRDO for 25 years. It contains the anearobic microbial innoculum (AMI) that degrades human excreta into water and gases. He added that the technology is eco-friendly and easily adoptable for individual to community level for different climates and conditions — from hot and plain regions to cold and mountainous terrains. He also stressed that continuous feedback mechanism must be maintained from scientists at Tezpur.
The bio-toilet is a preferable choice for space constrained urban areas and conserves water with a low maintenance cost. The treated water from the rector tank becomes colourless and odourless which can be reused for gardening and flushing.
The bio-digester technology is patented by DRDO and can be replicated only by those having licence. At present, the department of Mizoram PHE is the only licensing authority in the state.
